Seasonal Transition, the Target's notes.

Short rides, shorebreak, and a closeout here and there. Quiet evening off 65th street, 9/6/2018.

   Summer: no matter how much we try to extend the season, it always comes to an end. Science tells us that as we get older time seems to move faster and this summer raced bye. With the cold start, the rain, then the never ending humidity and heat, it seemed summer only lasted about four weeks. If not for a few stoked wave sessions and the last of August being pretty decent we would have scored the majority of the season a loss. But we have transitioned into September, and with the off season we have felt a new vibe. Could be that all the tourists are gone and the beach is once again ours. Or, perhaps that we are at the juncture of prime Hurricane season. I believe, however, that we have found the essence of summer and carried it into the fall. This past week started as the last couple. Small surf, to the point of shorebreak. As LWatt and I began setting up our perch, Wattman strongly suggested we move closer. Not that the tide posed any real concern, but as keeper of the cam I usually have the last say on seating. I have a rep to uphold. The epithet Hard Target must be earned. Watt, relented and waded into the slack surf. Tonight there is a slight breeze but the air is warm. Humidity was a bit less by the shore. Though the waves are breaking near the beach, Watt manges to hunt down several sets with just enough punch to indulge him in a few nice frontside slides. Considering the sluggish conditions, a modest, almost relaxing night for Wattman. But as we have mentioned recently, night comes ever quicker, September becoming more noticeable, and our Patrol headed north for the next victual inquest.
  Just Hooked in Fenwick Island, is part of a small chain of local eateries that feature farm to table, and sea to table ingredients. Of their five restaurants this is one of the more upscale places that caters to foodies, not just a bar crowd. Regardless, we grab seats at the bar and soon have liquid refreshment sitting in front of us. Served icy cold, not only is my Stella in its proper, as advertised glass, it has just the right size foam head that must be appreciated before drinking. We went all out this evening starting with a Corn & Jalapeno Crab Bisque.

I believe most bisque's have too much sherry which over powers the rest of the ingredients. Tonight's bisque had none and the not too spicy flavors were melded nicely. We all dug the dish though it could have used more crab.

 




LWatt, still on her healthy eating kick, had the Cobb Salad that was asparagus based; no lettuce. It was a nice change that she really enjoyed. Also included in our order were the Boom Boom Shrimp and the House Brine Wings.  The wings were a concern. While the flavor was very good, the parts of the wing were still attached together and had to be manually cut apart, wing tips included. I do not care for wings served in this fashion. In my mind it's like breaded wings...unnatural and should not happen.

Finally, the Boom Boom Shrimp were a nice surprise. Not so much battered as simply dusted with a delicate covering that flaked off at the slightest touch, the prawn, being perfectly cooked and not over seasoned, became an instant favorite.

But even with classic tavern style accoutrements, good music playing all night, and well placed screens to view the NFL's opening day, we soon left and headed back out into the night. Another return for the Patrol? The answer was a resounding yes. This locale was our favorite of the Group. Myself? Their style appealed...I would most certainly return. Maybe I am just a foodie at heart. Who knew?

THE RATINGS- 
House Brine Wings: C+
Boom Boom Shrimp: B
Cobb Salad: B
Corn & Jalapeno Crab Bisque: B
Beer: B+
Atmosphere: B+
Value: B
Overall Score = 2.96